The complex of Sultan Al-Mansur Qalawun was built for the sultan by Amir ‘Alam al-Din Sanjar al-Shuja’i in 1284-5 and consisted of the founder’s mausoleum, madrasa, and a maristan (hospital). The complex was located on al-Mu’izz Street. The mausoleum’s central, domed plan is connected to the madrasa by a long entrance passage, and the plan of both spaces is shifted to accommodate the qibla orientation.

The mausoleum, which is separated from the madrasa by this long corridor, is accessible via a small courtyard surrounded by an arcade with shallow domes. The octagonal structure was roofed by a dome which was destroyed in the 18th century. The current concrete dome, which is a replica of that covering the Mausoleum of al-Ashraf Khalil ibn Qalawun (1288), was built by Max Herz Bey in 1903. The octagonal base is transformed into a circle by means of wooden muqarnas.

The elaborate interior decoration includes marble revetment, carved, painted, and gilded wood, carved marble, and stucco.

The main façade facing the street is 67 m long and 20 m high. Built in stone, it is punctuated by a large arcature supported by marble pillars, pierced with bays decorated with geometric interlacing. An epigraphic banner that runs the entire length gives the name of the sponsor, his titles and the date of construction.

The main entrance to this magnificent complex is located on Al-Muizz Li-Din Allah Boulevard. The two sides of the door are covered with copper plates pierced and engraved with beautiful ornaments. This entrance opens onto a long corridor that separates the mausoleum mosque from the madrasa.

Following an earthquake in 1302 that destroyed many structures in Cairo, al-Nasir Muhammad, the son and successor of Qalawun, rebuilt the complex and its minaret in a campaign to restore the damaged mosques. Another restoration came when Abdul-Rahman Katkhuda, created an Ottoman Sabil on the other side of the street in 1776.